Misdiagnosed: My Journey Through the Mental Health Maze — and How You Can Advocate for Yourself

For most of my life, I’ve struggled with my mental health. I knew something was off — the emotional heaviness, the hyper-awareness, the exhaustion that lived in my body even when my mind was still. But for over 13 years, I was given labels that didn’t fit, medications that made things worse, and answers that never truly explained what I was feeling.

It wasn’t until I was 28 years old, after seeking out a full psychological evaluation for the second time, that I finally heard something that made sense:

You’re not broken. You have Complex PTSD.

The catch? C-PTSD isn’t formally recognized in the DSM-5.
And because of that, so many people — like me — fall through the cracks of the system, misdiagnosed and misunderstood for years.

🧠 Misdiagnosis: A Silent Struggle

Misdiagnosis is far more common than people realize, especially for those of us with trauma histories. C-PTSD can mimic symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more. The overlap is deep — but so is the misalignment when the root cause of the suffering is never addressed.

I was told I was too sensitive.
Too emotional.
Too much.

And every time I questioned my diagnosis, I was told to “trust the process.” But the process was failing me.

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💡 What I Wish I Knew Sooner

1. Trust your lived experience.
   No test or diagnosis defines you more than what you know in your body. If something doesn’t feel right — question it.

2. Ask for a full psychological evaluation.
   Many practitioners only use brief assessments or checklists. A comprehensive eval can uncover trauma history, learning differences, or neurodivergence that may otherwise go unnoticed.

3. Learn about the limitations of the DSM-5.
   The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) doesn’t include every valid mental health condition — especially trauma-related ones like C-PTSD. Just because it’s not listed doesn’t mean it’s not real.

4. Explore tools like GeneSight testing.
   I spent years on medications that did more harm than good — before anyone told me I could test how my body metabolizes certain medications. This was a game-changer. Advocate for pharmacogenetic testing if you’re considering or struggling with meds.

5. Bring your own research to your provider.
   You are allowed to come to your appointments with questions, articles, studies, and personal notes. You are not being “difficult” — you’re being informed.

You Deserve More Than “Good Enough”

You deserve more than to be told to just manage.
You deserve more than a label that doesn’t fully see you.
You deserve a care plan that honors you — your mind, body, story, and spirit.

 Advocate. Ask Questions. Keep Going.

Healing didn’t begin for me until I stopped trying to fit into the boxes I was placed in — and started getting curious about what actually felt aligned.

If you’ve been misdiagnosed or dismissed, I see you. I was you.
And I want you to know:

You are not broken.
You are not too much.
You are not beyond healing.
You just haven’t been fully seen yet — but that can change.

Speak up. Keep asking questions. Request the evaluations, seek the second opinions, and push for the tools you know you need.

You are worth the effort.
You are worthy of healing.

And I’m right here beside you.

— Jade 🤍
Holistic Life Coach | Mental Health Advocate | Cycle-Breaker

The content shared on this website and in my writing is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed medical or mental health professional. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan, medication, or wellness routine. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate support, please contact a mental health professional, crisis line, or emergency services in your area.

Your healing is valid — and you don’t have to walk it alone. 💛